THE PORT OF MAÓ

Since the ancient Phoenicians, Mediterranean navigators have loved this port sheltered from the open sea by its deep-water channel over three miles long. It was a favourite of the Italian merchant Andrea Doria, the Turkish pirate Barbarossa and England’s Admiral Nelson. Miraculously, unlike most sea ports, it has remained a beauty, characterized by neatly painted houses with sash windows left by the British and a touch of luminous white Minorcan houses to remind you of the present masters.

You can stroll along the quays past boatyards, yacht clubs, fishermen unloading their catch or mending their nets, seafood restaurants and bars. You may also tour one of the waterfront distilleries that have been producing gin since the British arrived in the 18th century. A distillery visit, including a gin-tasting session, may be included in the harbour cruises around the little islands on the waterway. A cruise will give you a good view of the old fortresses as you enter the harbour at La Mola and Punta de San Carles.

Es Castell lies at the Eastern end of the harbour, less than two miles from Maó, the neatly planted little village has changed its name from Geogertown (after King George III), but the Town Hall retains an undeniable English air. Originally built for families of the 18 th century soldiers at Fort Marlborough, the castle (also renamed , San Felip) has been reduced to a ruin. On the waterfront, caves once used by fishermen have been transformed into restaurants and bars.

1. Add true or false, quoting the relevant information from the text to justify your answer.

1.-The port of Maó is not much liked by seamen.

T F Line(s) _____________________2.-Nearly all the ports have lost their ancient charm and glamour.

T F Line(s) _____________________3.-Nowadays in the harbour you can only find restaurants and bars.

T F Line(s) _____________________4.-The original name of Es Castell was Fort Marlborough.

T F Line(s) _____________________

2. Find a word in the text which means:a) protected ______________________________

b) walk along ______________________________

c) tidily ______________________________

d) absolutely true or certain ______________________________

3. Answer the following questions according to the information given in the text. Use your own words.

1.- Why is the port of Maó an interesting place to visit?

2.-Were the old buildings at the port destroyed by the different people who ruled the port?

4. Complete the following sentences. The meaning should be the same as that of the sentence above.

1.- The distilleries have produced gin since the British arrived in the 18 th

century.

Gin ____________________________________________________________2.-It was a favourite of the Italian merchant Andrea Doria, the Turkish pirate

Barbarossa and England’s Admiral Neson. (consider)

Famous sailors ___________________________________________________3.-The castle was originally built for families of the 18th century soldiers at Fort

Marlborough.

The castle was originally built so that ________________________________________________________________________________________________4.- Lots of fishermen are sitting on the waterfront. Their nets are broken.

Lots of fishermen________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Write a composition (about 150 – 180 words) on the topic: You are walking along the waterfront of a harbour. Describe your feelings and sensations.